What a Race!

The 2007 DCRRC 10K Training Program had a successful spring. It targeted the Capitol Hill Classic 10K on Sunday, May 20, 2007 as its goal race when it got underway on a frigid winter morning in February on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In all, 39 athletes signed up for the program, which had seven coaches and one administrator. (Right: The 10K course.)

Special thanks go to Jeanne for being so capable an administrator, and to coaches Arnetta, Ashley, Bob, Gary, Kristin, Peter and Rhea.

After twelve weeks of practice runs of up to eight miles on the Mall, at Roosevelt Island, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Bluemont Park, East Falls Church and on the target race course on Capitol Hill, these nineteen participants conquered the infamous namesake hill and finished the Capitol Hill Classic 10K. (Above: Erin leads the way on the W&OD at Bluemont.)

Gary Censoplano (coach)
Giovanna Colan
Arnetta Davis (coach)
Sara Diaz
Carrie Ellis
Eileen Engh
Mary Ellen Fraser
Rhonda Glenn
Colby Itkowitz
Jeff Jacobs
Peter Lamberton (coach)
Kimberly Lovel
Kara Lovett
Laura Ramos
Rima Silenas
Ji Seon Song
Erin Sylvester
Brandes Taylor
Anne Trenolone

(Above: Stairwork at EFC helped Coach Ashley come in second in the companion 3K race.) The 10K racers' times ranged from 48:44 to 1:33:07. Four participants broke an hour, Sara Diaz, Carrie Ellis, Peter Lamberton and Erin Sylvester. Three more finished in the 60th minute. Carrie Ellis was the fastest student by over three minutes at 51:36 (8:19), 176th out of 1,003 runners. Coach Ashley ran in the companion 3K race and came in second, fifth overall. Coach Rhea also ran in the companion 3K race and came in fourth, seventeenth overall. (Below: Coach Rhea was ready on race day.)

Local running legend Jim Hage reported on the race and called the toil up Capitol Hill a "gut-check climb." He also reported that due to security concerns, the course’s signature charge down Capitol Hill and then back up it a couple of minutes later will be eliminated next year. (Below: Mary Ellen was there.)

Mary Alice Cahir cheered the racers on at the CHC; she had conquered the hilly Arlington YMCA Mother’s Day 10K the week before in 55:37, coming in 22d and second in her age group. Amanda Wait was away traveling during the race but ran practically every weekend. Several other runners and run/walkers participated frequently as well. (If I have left anyone out, contact me so I can include you. Also, if you didn't receive a program Technical T-shirt, contact me at plamberton@yahoo.com and I will try to get your shirt to you. Specify the size and where I should send it. Sizes run very large, most runners fit into a small.)

Congratulations to all.

Everyone who finished the program is ready to take the next step and do a ten-miler. The first meeting of the 2007 DCRRC twelve-week Ten-Mile Training Program is on Saturday, July 14, at 8 am on the steps of Lincoln. It costs $35 and you can register on the spot. The first two meetings will be at Lincoln. Come early to any training run to register. You must be a member of the DC Roadrunners Club (cost $20) to participate.

The goal race is the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 7th. Unfortunately, this race is already sold out but there are plenty of other races in the fall which this program will get you ready for, from 10Ks to Half-Marathons. (Above: Last year's Ten-Mile fast(er) Group.)

All runners or run/walkers are welcome. Please come prepared to do three miles or more the first week. Happy running.

See you there.